NBA All-Star Nike Party ~ Q-Tip, Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, etc.

Tickets and parking pass

Every year there are one or two parties that are special during the NBA All-Star weekend. I was fortunate enough to be given two tickets to the Nike Party. **** Thank you to Q-Tip and the Insideplaya!!! The Nike party was supposed to be held at Drai’s which from what I hear is an outdoor spot at the W Hollywood. When I arrived to pick-up the tickets, I was happy to see that the party was being set up in the lobby area (i.e. Living Room) of the hotel. The weather had been unpredictable with rain and wind, so an outdoor setting wouldn’t work.

I invited my friend Teri to join me at the party. There are very few occasions when I can take care of friends who take care of me for basketball, and this was one occasion where I could return the favor. **** If I offer you a ticket and you don’t accept it, because you think you can get a better offer ~ recognize that you’re going to the bottom of my list or will possibly unlisted in the future. I don’t deal well with people who think they can get a better offer, when I’m already offering you the BEST.

I knew Q-Tip would be spinning at the Nike party and that Kobe Bryant would be there. I had no idea that Kanye West would be performing. Talk about a surprise!

As we headed to the party, we passed the Music Box where Kenny “The Jet” Smith was holding his annual NBA All-Star party. There was a large group of people standing outside the venue trying to gain entry. As we approached the W Hollywood, Teri and I traded our tickets for wristbands and went to enter the party. There were 2 tents set-up outside. The first tent was more the metal detectors, and Teri and I skipped that line. The second tent was to get in, and there was a large crowd trying to get in. Teri went straight to the front of that line and I followed her. We passed, Suzy , from the TV show Basketball Wives. She too was trying to get in and skip the line. While waiting a few minutes, I saw Ne-Yo and what looked like 15 of his friends go in.

Dirk Nowitzki

As we went into the party, Teri went in one entrance and I went through another. I ended up going upstairs in an elevator and going across the floor and down the stairs to the main floor. This route gave me a very good lay of the land. As I went down the stairs, I saw Q-Tip, Dirk Nowitzki, Russell Westbrook, Ne-Yo, World Wide Wes, Brandy, Deron Williams and Ron Harper. Finally re-uniting with Teri, we went to the bar and I saw Rick Fox, Eliza Dushku, and Scottie Pippen (i.e. and his wife, Larsa, who will star on Real Housewives of Miami).

With Spike Lee

Spike Lee was in the house as well.

After I got my drink, I went over to see Q-Tip to thank him for giving me the tickets. I patiently waited for him to “break”, but the man was WORKING/WIRKING! He was killing it. Finally, I had my chance to say “Thank you” and formally introduce myself. I’ll never forget his big, warm smile. Of course he went back to work, and I went back to the party,

If you’ve never been to a Nike party, you need to go. Make no mistake, Nike knows how to throw a party. There were passed burgers, sushi, etc. in addition to the open bar. Food is hard to come by when you’re always on the go, so it was great to be able to eat a little bit at the party.

Jalen Rose

I’m not sure what time it was, but my friend Teri who was also planned to hit the ESPN party was sent a text that the ESPN party had ended. Too bad for those folks. The Nike party was just kicking into another gear. For the ESPN folks that could get in to the Nike party, it looks like decided to come on over. 

Kobe Bryant

Eventually Kobe Bryant (i.e. and his wife et al) showed up and took the table next to where I was near Q-Tip. Kobe’s Nike film played and Dirk Nowitzki flashed the “big L” (i.e. loser sign towards Kobe, but it was all in good fun). After that, Kanye West took the stage and performed. Kanye’s set was great. However, I must admit that I’m a huge Kanye West fan and I love watching him perform.

Kanye West performing

I saw the party as it was being set up and as the party ended I realized I would also be closing it down. I saw Kevin Durant again this year, and told him “Thunder Up”. He smiled. The last person I saw was Rajon Rondo, so I just reminded him that I saw him in the Bahamas over the summer.

Finally around 4AM, it was time to sleep.

**** Forgive the pictures. I read that no cameras would be allowed, so I left it in my hotel room. Had I known that I wouldn’t have to go through the metal detector, I would’ve brought it in. This is the best that my iPhone could do.

What a FANTASTIC party!

THE WIRK

Spike lee said Landry Fields isn't on the table

I was at the Nike party last night and I overheard Spike Lee and an ESPN guy talking about the new Knicks offer for Carmelo. "Landry (Fields) is not on the table," was what Spike had to say. Great party! If you missed it, you failed.

I'm typing this at NBA Jam Session on my phone, waiting for practice to start. More posts and pics to follow later.

THE WIRK

Hawks defeat the Raptors ~ Great win! Thank you Coach Woodson and Jamal Crawford

The plan all along was to hit the Raptors v Hawks game on Friday.  Earlier in the day I called the Hawks and left Coach Woodson a voicemail to wish him well and let him know I was in town.  I remember Coach from his days in Cleveland (i.e. where he served as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers).  He is a class act, and I believe he truly cares about his players.  To my surprise, later in the afternoon he phoned me back and before you knew it, I had my tickets in motion.  Thank you, Coach.

**** I always call my friends in the league to let them know if I'm coming to town. We all move around so much, that I value staying connected.

I have good friends ~ Thank you

It's good to be back

Got to the seats in time for the opening tip

Game on

Obligatory shot of the banners hanging

The playoff race in the East is a tight one.  Just a minute ago, I saw/heard a bit on TV about the race for the 8th playoff spot.  Currently, both the Toronto Raptors and the Chicago Bulls are battling for the 8th spot.  I think NBA TV is referring to it as "The Race for 8".  Coincidentally both teams lost tonight.  ****The Bulls lost to the Nets in D-OT tonight.  Chris Bosh is out for the rest of the regular season after suffering severe facial injuries, so needless to say the "Bosh-less" Raptors were in Atlanta to play a fully-loaded, Hawks team.  Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, and Jamal Crawford were definitely ready for action.  Yep, Joe Johnson was back ~ but the story of the game is Jamal Crawford.

Jamal Crawford played an all-around great game!  He logged 25 points and his 27th career 4 point play (i.e. a new NBA record).  Subsequently, the Hawks captured the victory ~ their 50th win this season (i.e. a feat that hasn't occurred since the 1997-1998 season). 

A new NBA record

Hawks defeat the Raptors, 107-101 ~ Now You Know

After the game, I was able to personally congratulate Jamal Crawford on his strong performance and new NBA record.  He seemed sincerely thankful for the kind words.  The humility he projected is rare in the league, especially for veteran players, so it's worth mentioning.

With the star of the game, Jamal Crawford

Thank you, Coach ~ Great win!

The Hawks are away for their next game and take on the Wizards, Saturday at the Verizon Center.  Ironically, Chicago visits the Air Canada Centre on Sunday night.

Aside from singing Jamal Crawford's praises, here are some other thoughts from the night:

• Why is a Seattle Supersonics banner still hanging?  OR maybe the better question is, why aren't the Oklahoma City Thunder represented?

WWKDD?

• My seats were on the hospitality suites side of the arena.  Since I was starving, my friend and I decided to complete a mini "Taste of Philips Arena". 
• Get the Fireside Chicken Nachos, if you have the chance.  They're well worth the $10.25.

• The sushi at the arena is good also.  I think it comes from Goldfish (i.e. the restaurant near Perimeter Mall)
• I know Spike Lee is a NBA fan, but why was he at the game?  Is he working on a project in Atlanta?  I'm curious, since the last time I saw Spike Lee was at the W's Ghostbar during NBA All-Star weekend, in Dallas and generally only expect to see Spike at The Garden.

After the game, Spike Lee exited the tunnel and left the building

Big day tomorrow, as I have to wake up early and head to Augusta.  There's some golf tournament out there that I want to check out  (i.e.  wink wink), so that's all I have for now. 

THE WIRK

Friday night's ESPN Party at the W ~ 2010 NBA All-Star Weekend, Dallas

It's Monday and I'm still in Dallas.  QUICK recap below of Friday...

Friday night, My friend, Teri and I went to the ESPN party.  It was at the Ghostbar at the W and a good time.  DJ Rashida (i.e. Prince's DJ from his days at 3121 at the Rio in Vegas and resident DJ for America's Best Dance Crew) was spinning, the Nike MVPuppet commercials were playing on the screens, and there were video game consoles positioned throughout the space, so that people could match-up and play one of the NBA games...

It was a great time to mix with old friends and meet new people.  Everyone was happy and enjoying the good time.

• I was able to wish my friend, DA, a Happy belated birthday in person, as opposed to just throwing it up on his facebook wall earlier in the week. 
• It was fun chatting it up with Ron Harper about the old Cleveland haunts (e.g. Spy Bar, the Flats, etc.) and dancing to all the hot tracks with my DC friends who also made the trip to Dallas. 
• I noticed a shorter man having his picture taken next to me and instinctively I leaned out of the picture.  Afterwards, I asked my friend who it was that was next to me, and he told me it was Spike Lee.  Ahhh, man...  First of all, I should've leaned IN and not out!  Secondly, just how short is Spike Lee?!?! 
• Russell Simmons walked by, and I was able to say, "Hello," as he slowly moved past with his people ~ the place was packed and no one was parting the sea of people easily.  For anyone curious, Russell Simmons isn't tall either, but he's taller than Spike Lee. 
• The main character, from "Hangin with Mr. Cooper" was milling about at the party, and that sparked discussion as to whether he was still "relevant".  Needless to say it took me way too long to remember his entire name ~ Mark Curry.  
• Kevin Love, David Lee, and Danilo Gallinari were there. 
• Numerous ESPN personalities were there along with other media folks. 
• Alonzo Mourning walked out and his wife was wearng a hat and looked great ~ they were stylin'! 

At the end of the night, Lebron and his crew made it to the party.  My first clue that Lebron was there was that I saw his mom, Gloria, walk past me.  I've seen Gloria soo many times this weekend, I'm beginning to think she's my family too!  It was after 2AM, and the party was wrapping up ~ but Lebron made his appearance and was playing the video game and re-enacting the 2009 NBA Finals match up between the Orlando Magic v Los Angeles Lakers.  As soon as that game ended, he and his crew left and the party was over.

At events like this, some people expect me to come back with TONS of pics.  The issue is that, that is simply not possible and will never happen.  I normally keep my camera in my purse (i.e. it's much easier to take a picture when you're farther away from a person, as opposed to right next to someone), but on Friday night I was actually ASKED to snap a few pics, since the photographer had left for the night.

Here's one of the 3 pics, that I took, for your enjoyment.

After the party, my crew and I headed back to our hotels.  In the car we began a lively discussion as to how we'd need to line up Spike Lee, Gary Coleman, Emmanuel Lewis, and Wesley Snipes if we wanted to go from tallest to shortest...  Ouch...

That was Friday...  I'm sure I'm forgetting some folks, since I'm intentionally leaving out some others...  :-P

THE WIRK